Background Checks

Synonyms

Vetting; Credit check; Personal information search; Preemployment screening; Disclosure check; Criminal record search; Criminal history check

Definitions

There are multiple types of Background checks that all involve reviewing past, recorded behavior:

• 1. Job Applicants: When people apply for a position of trust (e.g., a school teacher, a lawyer, or bank teller) a background check is part of the way of determining if the applicant is suitable – a positive result. These are known as Applicant or Civil Background Checks. In the US:

  • (a) If there is a state or federal law requiring a national check then applicant fingerprints (with minimal supporting biographic information) can be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a search.

  • (b) If the applicants are seeking federal employment then their biographic data and fingerprints can be submitted to the FBI for a search.

  • (c) If the applicants are applying for a job not covered by a state or federal law they are...